If you've ever taken a class from DesktopEngineer.com or CSI-Windows.com and did not receive one of our cool Debugging Checklist mousepads, drop us a line to get yours. See below for a graphic of what it looks like.

Microsoft is running a survey about the Windows Software Logo Program to find out how it can be improved. For Windows 7 the program was streamlined for developers to make it easier for them to get on board. There is, however, one area that remains challenging for smaller development shops - you know, precisely the one's that IT admins would love to have focused on building platform compliant software? You can help by showing your vote...

Chris Jackson has a great article on the reasons behind why Windows Installer 5 (Windows 7) custom actions are lied to by the shimming engine. It also provides another great example that Microsoft is committed to the shimming infrastructure to the point where major segments of the OS rely on it for their own compatibility. Shimming is not a bolt-on!

In addition to the June 1st Packaging Track, we've added a Scripting and Custom Actions class for September. The really big news is that previous students of DesktopEngineer.com are eligible for some serious introductory discounts on the new CSI Windows offerings - our Internals Training Focused On Application Management. Check out the details at http://CSI-Windows.com

I had a failed demonstration when speaking at the Microsoft Management Summit - it pains me! As I promised, I have posted a video of the demonstration working as it should have. You can find the videos at CSI-Windows.com or at YouTube.com/CSIWindows. YouTube lets you play at full screen, and since these are HD videos, that option may actually be useful to you.

DesktopEngineer.com / CSI-Windows.com has released an MSI test package that can help you explore and test the new features of MSI 5 in Windows 7 and MSI 4 in Windows Vista. Read more about it at CSI-Windows.com

Probably everyone has seen the gurus of Windows systems internals dig deep diagnostic information out of a nasty application crash. We wonder how to get our hands on the "book of knowledge" they use for their magic. DesktopEngineer.com has a new training offering designed to get you started...

Wise has opened up the beta of their next major release of package studio. Significant enhancements include full integration of SVS (Software Virtualization Solution) with the Repackager, Test Expert and Software Manager also the ability to include RPMs for Linux Packaging ...